Tuesday, 31 December 2013

What an incredible year 2013 has been and I am sitting here already looking forward to 2014. My Christmas wasn't what I expected as we were hit by the recent storms in UK and had to vacate our cottage early morning on Christmas Eve. Having said that the days that followed gave me time to reflect on how lucky I am in my life. We moved to a hotel where many could not. Temperatures dropped severely and I thought of the homeless across the world. When we have so much it is far too easy to often forget about those who do not. So my New Years Eve resolutions involve helping others in any way possible throughout the year, more so than in 2013.

Many of my friends know that I broke my ankle badly whilst taking workshops in Australia, going from a wheelchair to crutches and finally having the last surgery to fully recover has taught me to appreciate my health. And empathise with those who live with disabilities permanently. I'm not the same person leaving 2013 as the artist who leapt eagerly into it and that's a good thing. I'm having such a great life in so many ways that feeling humbled has helped my spirit grow in a positive direction .

I have so much to share, so much to look forward to and so many to thank for making my 2013 so fantastically exciting. Over the last few days I have read touching emails from people who have received copies of my latest book as Christmas gifts. Comments that have touched my heart in a way that I am now determined to make my next book inspirational on many levels. I am loving writing it so promise to put my "all" into it!

On my 2013 international workshops I have met wonderful Australians, fantastic artists from USA and Mexico. Each country has welcomed me with open arms and eagerly invited me back. Thank you to everyone all over the world who has shown so much support and enthusiasm for my way with watercolour .

In 2014 I will complete my new book, hold workshops in Italy, Sydney, Tasmania and Adelaide for the first time and run my fully booked UK courses. I will delightedly be a Celebrity Guest Artist at Patchings Art Festival and I will have several features published in the Artist Magazine. I have also accepted invitations to hold solo exhibitions in established art galleries.

My wish for everyone is that in the New Year you see all your dreams come true no matter what size they are. I wish you a year full of colour, brush strokes full of passion and the joy found in creating as I feel each time I paint.

Many artists attending my workshops this year have met my loveable nutcase of a dog, Bailey who is a Bearded Collie. Today he went to the groomers and I thought it would be terrific to get a new Christmas photo of him as soon as he got home. But unfortunately he had other plans and ruined his beautiful groomed look before I even had a chance! Here are the two new photos that I took this morning. One in antlers, one in a Santa hat.

After the first shot with the antlers, above, I looked for a Santa hat for a second pose. Sadly for me in between photos Bailey happily emersed his face in his huge water bowl so he looks "drippy" in the image below! He proves life isn't perfect and its' more fun when it isn't!

The Santa hat pose! 2013

My husband has booked Bailey into
the groomers just before my first UK workshops in 2014 so hopefully he
will be seen then in a prettier state!

And for those of you who have not seen Bailey when he was younger, and easier to keep clean, here he is in his antlers the first year he had them!

Having surgery just before Christmas and being unable to walk or drive was no fun but I am back on my feet now and desperately trying to catch up. I am ready for Christmas but my email inbox is full and I will be replying as soon as I can, next week, after the holiday season.

I am sat in the warmth of my studio typing in comfort whilst listening to a storm raging outside. I have so much to celebrate this year and feel so blessed. Next year is already looking so exciting with so much news to share that I will need to write individual blog posts.

But for now I thought you might like to meet "Shocks" who won the Rescue Animal of the Year Award 2013. You can read his story on the Birmingham Donkey Sanctuary web site via this link.

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

At this time of year it is so easy to get completely involved in Christmas. There are get togethers to organise, gifts for loved ones to buy and of course food shopping where we plan "feasts" for the special few days that we celebrate this time of year.

It has been a week that has seen me fly with happiness over good news and then crash suddenly over hearing sad news. Realising it is too late to get the card back that I had sent to a friend who has just lost her husband. How she will feel opening an envelope addressed "Mr and Mrs" I cannot imagine.

Then this afternoon I sat writing my own personal family cards and, as always, I wrote one to my husband. A man who has cared for me since we met in a way that I am so grateful for. I am so lucky to be wrapped in the safety and warmth of his love.

I have watched commercials on television advertising gifts and Christmas dinners that I know many people in the world will not be able to afford. And I can't help think of those who will be spending Christmas alone.

I remember being told as a child that it is not what you recieve but what you give in life that is so important. When I was asked this year what I would like for Christmas I know it isn't anything that money can buy. I would like peace in the world. I would love to hear that all children are loved and wanted. I wish that all animals on this planet could be safe from extinction and unharmed. I would love everyone to experience the happiness that I have in my life. My wishes are impossible I know.

As a tiny girl I always wanted to hear the Christmas story. I marvelled at the gifts given at the manger and I loved the part about the poor little shepherd boy whose gift could not compare with that of the wise men. Gold for me is the love in our hearts and I have met many people this year who truly are rich for that reason.

I miss the woman who gave me so much sound advise as a child. My stepmother who passed away some time ago. And I do miss my closest friend who is probably driving everyone nuts upstairs in heaven with her cheerfulness. But I am buying them each a gift this year by donations to several charities and there are so many to choose from.

For Pauline I am going to donate to the Birmingham Donkey Sanctuary, because she has two adorable grandchildren that she has never seen and she always made me smile.

And I will be buying a few other gifts for my friends who are no longer with us by choosing other charities also. This is my way of remembering very special people who have enriched my life in so many ways.

Please don't get so lost in the season that you forget about the meaning behind Christmas.

Monday, 16 December 2013

I am over the moon! I have just seen my specialist and and thrilled to share the news that I am now able to walk minus crutches and have seen the last of the surgery on my ankle following my accident earlier this year. In fact I may even be dancing on New Years Eve and in heels!

The above skating penguin seemed a delightful little watercolour to share to show my happiness.

Thank you so much to everyone who has sent me such kind messages to cheer me through the whole process. I am really so happy and will be bouncing all over the palce on my workshops in 2014!

Have a great time leading up to your own Christmas and I will be sharing back to normal on my blog as often as I can now. Getting to my studio hasn't alwas been easy whilst I have been recovering but life is about to get better!

It is wonderful at this time of year to enjoy recieving Christmas Cards from friends. Snowy landscapes, angels, Santas and of course my favourite robins are finding their way through my letter box in beautiful card designs. the above painting was one of my previous Christmas card designs.

I have been watching the birds on the bird feeder in my cottage garden and having looked through my files found various stages of robin paintings which I thought could be fun to share on my blog.

I have started with the eye for the below painting and built the robin up by working away from its 'face. Softly and gradually building up colour in sections where I enjoyed the results of my first brush strokes.

Early robin stages in watercolour

Building up colour.

Christmas is a wonderful time to take a break from painting and enjoy family life. But it is also a fantastic time to recharge your mental batteries and gain inspiration for paintings in the New Year. So please enjoy every sngle part of the season and observe beauty in every way that you can from Christmas decorations to wildlife and nature around you.

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

This is just a reminder to all artists who missed this years' workshop due to my accident. There will be a special, free, three day workshop for you at Frogs Hollow on November 26/27/28th November 2014.

I have sent an email to everyone who missed this course but in case you haven't recieved it I thought it would be wise to share the news here as well.

Please confirm with me if you will be attending. I cannot wait to return!

jeanhaines@hotmail.com

*************

Please note: The weekend course at Frogs Hollow for new artists is currently fully booked but I am considering extending my stay, if possible, to open doors for the artists who are disappointed at missing a chance to book in Brisbane next year.

Thank you so much for all the lovely messages this year, this is one of the reasons I was determined to return to Australia next year and I am thrilled to be able to do so.

This week I have some gorgeous anenome flowers which are begging to be painted. Observing their petals, form and texture really has tempted my paint brushes this week. The above image is one of the red flowers in my mixed bouquet and I also have a beautiful purple blooms as well. I must admit these flowers were not at their best when they arrived in my cottage so the only way to make them last longer is to paint them.

I have started creating a composition with some simple watery shapes to capture the bowl shape of each flower. Next I will add the dark centres and green stems. Artists on my workshops know I rarely stay with one red pigment so this effect has been created by several shades from the red section of my palette. Alizarin Crimson is my favourite for pigment interaction and for allowing me to gain watermarks which represent light hitting sections of each petal

Petal shapes for a floral composition of anenome.

At the moment, these floral shapes are at the top of a beautiful new white piece of paper, leaving space for the stems to be added at a later stage. There is a beautiful atmosphere in my studio whilst I am working on these gorgeous flowers. One of relaxation and peace. Just what every artist needs!

Anenome waiting for the centres and stems to be added in the next stage of this flower painting.

************

N.B. By the way I rarely demonstrate these gorgeous flowers in workshops as I find their name quite a tounge twister to say!

Friday, 6 December 2013

I only posted dates of my Australia 2014 tour yesterday and have spent most of this afternoon forwarding emails to my contacts in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Tasmania for my workshops there next year. Thank you so much to everyone who has, so very quickly, got in touch with me.

Can I remind everyone that I do not personally handle the bookings but once you let me know by email which destination suits you best I then forward your email and connect you with the appropriate organiser.

I have to say that looking at todays response some sessions are going to be fully booked very quickly. So please, if you are interested in a place could you contact me as soon as possible.

jeanhaines@hotmail.com

And add the destination of your prefered choice in the email heading.

I just couldn't resist painting a Koala as my mind is obviously already in Australia!

On my recent tour of USA and Mexico I gave many demonstrations on how to paint a wide variety of subjects. But my beloved cockerels , or roosters as I now call them thanks to my American friends, always make an appearance.

I think on this tour, the excitement in the workshop rooms that grew from gorgeous colour discussions and my now very popular colour exercises was so much fun. Seeing a room full of artists absorbed in a challenge is really a fantastic experience. As ever, is it always artists attending a workshop that leave feeling inspired? Whilst I am teaching there always comes a point where I feel really envious of everyone painting rather than teaching. Because everyone looks as though they are having such a great time. Please don't get me wrong as I adore teaching my workshops and everyone who attends knows that I do. I love that heady high when the atmosphere has taken the whole room to that point of connection between artist and paper, when you can hear a pin drop due to the silence and yet know by facial expressions that everyone is having a great time.

Well I am now home in my studio and it is my turn to paint. And oh boy, I am having a great time. So my first news is I have even more exciting new shades to share and even more exciting techniques.The more we grow as artists the further we seem to need to travel. My experiments today have been brilliant. I have had a ball.

Artists Tip.

Shadow Wash : The above cockerel has been painted on a salt wash, with the head in full sunlight in this image. The shadow created by placing the paper on my easel at mid day was deliberate. By playing with sun shadows I can see where I might add my darks or varying background wash. This is a great technique so please experiment with it. It saves wasting time thinking about where your darks should be and also stops you from ruining a painting by being over zealous with colour.

The simplest tricks and tips are the best! Oh and you should see all the wonderful tips flowing into my new book! I wish I could share them now but they will be worth waiting for.

Thursday, 5 December 2013

I can now share dates of my Australia Workshop Tour 2014. I am really excited as I will be on tour in four locations in Australia next year meeting wonderful artists who, like me, love working in watercolour. On this tour I will also be sharing new techniques and subjects from my new book which will be launched in 2015. Due to popular demand I will be holding two, two day workshops in each location. The goal of each workshop is to be highly inspirational on many levels.

Adelaide

5/6th November and 8/9th November 2014

Workshop 1: Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th November, 2014

Weekend Workshop Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November 2014

Sydney

12/13th November and 15/16th November 2014

Workshop 1: Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th November, 2014

Weekend Workshop Saturday 15th and Sunday16 th November 2014

Tasmania

19/20th November and 22/23rd November 2014

Workshop 1: Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th November 2014

Weekend Workshop : Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November 2014

Brisbane

26/27/28th November and 29/30th November 2014

Workshop 1: Wednesday- Friday 26/27/28th November 2014

N.B This is a special three day workshop for artists already booked from my workshop in 2013.

Weekend WorkshopSaturday29th and Sunday 30th November 2014

*********************

Please note I will not personally be taking bookings for any of the above locations but I will happily put artists in touch with the organisers . As my previous workshop tours have sold out very quickly please contact me on jeanhaines@hotmail.com as soon as possible if you would like a place.

This will be a very exciting tour and I will be holding very memorable sessions.

Wednesday, 4 December 2013

I have a confession. I have a gorgeous new brush which was launched on my tour in USA and I have been so busy that I haven't had time to launch it in UK. To make matters worse I sold out immediately so there wasn't any stock for me to promote or sell! But now I am about to put this fantastic brush in my online shop range.

Why a new brush and why personalised? Well over the last few years I have been invited to have my own watercolour product range. You name it, I have been offered it. From my own watercolour paper to my own palette and even my own watercolours. But I already used the very best products possible so putting my name on anything at all seemed a waste of time. And anyway who is "Jean Haines" that she warrants her own art range! Truthfully I am just someone who adores working in watercolour. That idea just simply wasn't me.

But having said that there was an area I wasn't happy with, purely because of my time studying brushwork in China. I was taught by the most amazing mentor when it came to how I hold and use my brushes.My Asian mentor came from Shanghai and I talk about their techniques frequently in my workshops. In fact it is my workshops that started my quest to search for the possibility of my own brush range. There seemed to be a gap in the market for brushes of an expensive quality but at a reasonable price. I meet people on my workshops worldwide who don't invest in good brushes because of their high cost. The main problem is that using cheap brushes does not give you the same effect as using those of a higher quality. Which puts professional artist at an advantage. An artist tried my old brush on one workshop and said " No wonder your work is so beautiful, how much did that brush cost?" I had to admit the price of that particular brush was over £200. It had been given to me by the manufacturer and it has been constantly used in my demonstrations over the years. Many people who paint cannot afford to pay that much for a brush. This expensve brush it is heaven to use. It glides over the paper so well but it is missing a point as that was not the design of it. It made me think and I did research into what I wanted from a brush. One that I might put my name on. I knew what I wanted design wise. A mix of East meets West. A point, full barrel and excellent performance.

I decided to research to see if it was possible to produce a highly expensve product but one that could retail at an affordable price. It had to have the best qualities to not only load with pigment but it had to release well. The sable had to glide over paper. As my subject work is often created with a size 10 and I load my rigger with tiny particles of pigment to drop into sections I needed an initial set. This needed to be for sale at a reasonable cost so artists who wanted to try sable could. My first brush sets were launched and have become so popular that even my professional artist friends have raved over them. Th efeedback has been incredible worldwide.

Jean Haines Size 10 and Rigger personlised Brush Sets

But of course I now needed a wash brush for my larger work and this was far harder to create. I don't enjoy cheap brushes and a sable at this size could cost a fortune. A wonderful blend of hair has made this a fabulous brush to use and it is one of its kind. I love it! And luckily this too has quickly sold out at each workshop session.

My wonderful wash brush with the sable brush set, fabulous to use and my favourite!

So now my personalised brush range consisted of my brush sets and a wash brush. But one more brush was missing. And this, of course, was the one I put off designing until last because it needed to be really high quality and I knew it would be very expensive. I was comparing it with my £200+ brush. I wanted it to be designed at the same quality but sell at under £100. For me this is the icing on the cake in my brush range. I would be lost without it. I did it!

My new Size 12!

I wasn't going to launch my new Size 12 until later in the year or at least when my next book is launched but I couldn't wait. I love it so I kno w other artists will too. I had stock sent ahead for my USA tour and a mistake was made in that my Size 12 came too. The new brush launch was initially going to be in UK and USA at the same time. So there was more than great excitement when we all realised what had happened. When I showed artists my new brush, in New York, Texas and Mexico everyone immediately loved it. I sold out at every location. I even ordered new USA stock as needed during my trip. What happened was, once one artist used my brushes and loved them everyone else wanted to buy them.

The Size 12 is not a cheap brush. This is a high quality watercolour brush that could easily be on sale for far more. But the idea of my personalised range is to get the best possible brushes out there so that every artist, every single person who loves painting can buy the best possible brushes and enjoy using them. As one artist told me, once tried you can never go back to your old ones!

So I will now race to my web site and add my new size 12 brush and apologise that it has taken me so long to update everyone on its' existence.

One tip. Please. please please! If you DO invest in fabulous brushes never leave them in water whilst you are working. Look after them by simply rinsing in water and they will last a long time!

I am thrilled to hear the news from my publisher that "Atmospheric Watercolours" my latest book is so popular that it has had to go for reprint yet again! If I wasn't on crutches at the moment following last weeks surgery I would be doing a happy dance. As I can't I'm hoping you won't mind my celebrating on my blog and inviting you to celebrate with me.

Thank you SO much to everyone who has bought a copy . I promise the new book I am working on at the moment will be filled with as many tips and techniques as possible.

A HUGE thank you to my publishers for making my dream of becoming an author come true!

My online shop is really busy at the moment with wonderful orders flooding in for Christmas Gifts. Please can I remind everyone that if you want any of my products in time for Christmas orders need to be in this week and for overseas please order straight away.

"Atmospheric Watercolours"

I have signed copies of my books available "Atmospheric Watercolours" and " How to paint Colour and Light in Watercolour"

"How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour"

I have two DVDS available. "Amazing Ways With Watercolour" and " Watercolour Passion"

"Amazing Ways with Watercolour"

"Watercolour Passion"

Finally I have a wonderful collection of personalised watercolour brushes including my new Size 12 that was launched and loved in USA on my current tour.

Gorgeous Wash Brush in a superb mix that is incredible to work with.

My watercolour brush sets. Size 10 and a rigger

The wonderful new size 12. This is sheer joy to work with and well worth waiting for!

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

It may be Winter outside but in my heart it is definitely Spring. I decided to work on my Spring 2014 collection today so my easel is full of wonderfully exciting Spring flowers in watercolour. I have new green pigments that I am exploring and thrilling new techniques, which have evolved over the last few months. It really is fascinating working in watercolour because you can never become tired of the medium. Each time you pick up your brush something new happens which takes your breath away. I am also aware that I haven't a single painting of primroses or daffodils in my cottage because each year that I exhibit them these cheerful subjects sell out.

Looking outside my studio window at cold winter weather is not a problem with these gorgeous creations coming to life inside.

Last week I had surgery to remove the metal work in my ankle following my accident in Australia earlier this year. I must admit I knew this needed to happen as I had postponed my hospital visit until after my USA and Mexico Tour. I know in some cases the metal work can be left in after this kind of fall. Unfortunately in my case that wasn't to be, so last Thursday saw me make my way to a hospital in UK for the final stage of the healing process.

This is where I have to admit I was fairly relaxed at the time because I believed the process would be simple, painless and easy. To be fair it was simple! It took until Saturday morning for me to fully take in that I would need a few weeks to recover fully and get back on my feet again so for now I am resting at home and, for once this year, actually taking it easy. Very unusual for me and also very difficult as it isn't in my nature to sit still for long.

But I do have lots of exciting news to share so hope to catch up on my blog gradually!

Monday, 25 November 2013

I am thrilled to share the news that I will be on tour in Australia next year holding exciting workshops and book signing events. I have had so many requests for places on workshops there so I am over the moon to announce that I will be in Adelaide, Sydney,Tasmania and Brisbane next year!

I will be sharing full details of each location including dates and booking contacts soon.

Once the information is released please book early to avoid disappointment.

I cannot wait to return to Australia and as I loved the colours there this year I know my next trip is going to be out of this world!

Sunday, 24 November 2013

This stunning gallery set in the heart of Godalming is one of my favourites and my solo shows here for the last three years have been highly successful. For this reason I am delighted to be participating in the Wey Gallery 2013 Christmas Show. I have an exciting new horse racing scene "Dramatic Win" that bursts with energy and life included in the exhibition. There is also a gorgeous kingfisher entitled " King of the River" and a selection of my new waercolours for this galleries' special seasonal show.

Early viewing is advisable especially for the above painting which has created a lot of interest already.

For full details please contact the Julie or Claire at the Wey Gallery via this link

I have a collection of watercolours at the Frame Gallery which is situated in the Odiham High Street, Hampshire. I have exhibited in solo shows at this local gallery for several years and am always included in its cheery Christmas Show. This year I have watercolours available there of Kingfisher, a beautiful fox in snow, horse racing scenes and hedgehogs.

Early viewing is advisable and if you would like to purchase a painting please contact Jan via this link

It is time for the 2013 Christmas Exhibitions and this year I am showing at several established galleries with new paintings of favourite subjects. I will be sharing details individually in blog posts with links to each gallery. This year has been an incredible year for sales with many subjects selling as fast as they reach the gallery.

N.B. Please contact the galleries directly for full information of each collection and details of my work currently avalable if you wish to purchase my watercolours.

This week has flown by. As always my life is a blur of activity with one exciting event taking place after the other. Firstly I returned home at the begining of this week from an incredible tour of USA and Mexico where I met the most wonderful people by holdng watercolour workshops and giving talks at a number of locations. Since my return home I have been catching up on email messages and I still have many more to reply to so please bear with me!

I am currently working on my 2014 Watercolour tour and I am also working on Christmas collections for the galleries who show my watercolours. I will be sharing details in my next blog post!

So my blog has been very quiet but it will be getting back to normal now, I hope!

Friday, 15 November 2013

I completed my 2013 USA and Mexico tour this week with my final workshop taking place in Mexico City. I had agreed to visit after accepting an invitation last year. I honestly hadn't known what to expect and I had concerns at the class possibly not being able to understand my English. But with Claudia the organiser translating everything I said all went very well. So well because everyone enjoyed my sessions so much that I have been eagerly invited to return and as soon as possible!

I always give an introduction to my style on the first day of my workshops and this is followed by many demonstrations. The beauty of my technique is that I paint every subject with no restrictions. I get excited about colour and how it interacts to form patterns which in turn create a painting. I loved all the photographs everyone had brought with them to show me. I explain I prefer to work from life as much as possible but there are certain favourites that obviously you cannot bring to a class and even if you did would not sit still! Such as "Anna" the beautiful kitten owned by Kristina , one of the artists on the class. Kristina was aiming to make her kitten appear out of a first wash she had created in my workshop. Her colours did not work well as a background which is vital to a successful outcome. I demonstrated how to paint a cats eye and work away from it to make the face appear, doing so without drawing attention away from the beautiful large kitten eye. I loved this demonstration so much and so did Kristina who now owns the completed painting.

My time teaching in Mexico passed far too quickly and as I handed out diplomas to each artist at the close of the final day I was given immensely warm hugs from everyone attending and yet again, I was eagerly invited to return.

This is a country of great hospitality, great warmth and incredible talent. I met artists of all levels and my heart has been touched more than once. I loved it here and to everyone who made this a hugely successful week I thank you with all my heart.

And to Claudia, a very special thank you for your insight and enthusiasm making this magical event occur.

***************

My next workshop destination will be Italy although that course is fully booked. As are my UK 2014 workshops. I will be releasing details of my Australia 2013 tour shortly and I am currently working on the last details of my USA 2015 tour.

*******************

This has been a truly exciting year and I have much to share on my blog over the next few weeks when I return to UK. Watch this space!

Monday, 11 November 2013

Yesterday I held a one day workshop for the SouthWestern Watercolor Society. I had been invited to hold workshops here on my 2013 tour but only had one day available which was a Sunday. I hadn't expected such an overwhelming response to my visit from UK, but over lunch yesterday the society shared their news that as soon as my name and date was announced on their workshop programme my course was immediately sold out, with a closed waiting list for places. And it was a very full day.

My hosts generously took me out for a meal the night before my art event and collected me from my hotel to drive the short distance to the venue. Here I set up and met eighteen terrific artists who were all enthusiastic and looking forward to the day. For artists who have never attended my workshops before , I am sure my crazy way of introducing how I work and think can be baffling to witness at first. But I love looking at the sea of faces while I paint in these demonstrations and I also love watching how subjects magically appear on paper during the creative process. Everyone was so delightful that I ran over in teaching time,minaly because no one seemed to wish to leave. To close my workshop I painted my, now, signature rose in a loose style. This has been a favourite subject of mine for more years than I can remember and, as a subject in my style, never ceases to please people watching it come to life.

This really was a flying visit to the SouthWestern Watercolor Society who have eagerly invited me back for a future booking when possible. I loved how artists yesterday were eager to sign up as soon as the possibility was mentioned. I will be looking at my diary to see what can be done about this!

For now I owe a huge thank you to Pam and Mickey for constantly being in touch and making this unexpected day happen and a very huge thank you to every artist who not only attended yesterday but also made me feel so warmly welcomed. I loved y'all!

Last week I enjoyed taking workshops for the West Texas Watercolor Society. The courses took place in Lubbock and local artists attended as well as visiting guests from other states in USA. These sessions have been fully booked since the last year when the dates were first announced.The first advanced course was for artists who had attended my previous workshop for the society. The second workshop was for artists new to my style of teaching and courses.

During the second course, I demonstrated how to paint a flamingo using simple brushwork and vibrant colour. I have to confess the vibrant Daniel Smith Opera Pink is perfect for this subject and leaves other pinks in the shade. I had quietly demonstrated this subject for one artist but the group loved the result so much that I did a second painting so that everyone could enjoy how this magnificent bird was captured in watercolor. I never know what any one artist may ask me to paint on my workshops, as my style leads to all subjects rather than just one. The fun in my workshops is often the exploration into painting something completely new and this was my first ever flamingo painting. I am now certain there will be many more!

The week flew by but listening to all the enthusiastic feedback from the artists I know this visit was a huge success and as I left the familiar question arose.

"When will you be back?"

My answer is "As soon as I can be!"

I love Texas, and I obviously love Texans too!

************

Thank you to everyone who attended my workshops in Lubbock and a huge thank you to Karla who organises my art events there. And a huge hug to all my Texan friends too, you are wonderful!

Friday, 8 November 2013

Today is the final session of my two workshops in Lubbock ,Texas for the West Texas Watercolor Society. It has been a superb week starting with a talk for the society last Sunday followed by two fully booked workshops. The first workshop was an advanced session for artists who had attended my previous course here in 2012. It was incredible walking into a room full of familar faces that welcomed me as an old friend. I loved it.The warmth and hospitality was just out of this world. The excitement built up during the first day leading to the following where paintings just became even more vibrant and alive. I had a break mid week and had a terrific time looking around the local area. I started my final workshop here yesterday. It shouldn't, but it does, surprise me how far artists travel to come to one of my sessions. There has been a great atmosphere every single day, with the Art Centre overflowing with enthusiasm, energy and excitement for every new demonstration. Today I take the last of my workshops here before I head for Dallas where I meet the SouthWestern Watercolor Society in Dallas, for my next workshop there.

This tour is hard work as I am constantly packing and unpacking ,moving from hotel to hotel and setting up in new venues. But I love it. I wouldn't miss this "adventure" for the world and am thrilled to be eagerly invited back to each 2013 venue, to hear that artists have been enthusiastically trying to book in advance for my future trips and I really love the wonderful invitations that keep flooding in by email from Art Societies all over USA. Each wanting me to visit and hold workshops and give talks.

For now I msut head out to teach my last day here but I do so look forward to a return trip.

I will be in Mexico next week for the final stage of my 2013 USA and Mexico Tour.

Happy Painting!

What'yall looking at?

***************

I will be replying to all the very kind and wonderful emails from artists who have attended my tour workshops as soon as i am home because I don't want to race each response!

Followers

Latest Book : Paint Yourself Calm

New Book 2015

"Jean Haines World of Watercolour" an exciting new book filled with inspirational demonstrations, launched in May 2015. .

Jean Haines World Of Watercolour

Best Selling Book since launch in 2012

"Atmospheric Watercolours" Jeans' popular book was launched in May 2012. An International Best seller, it is available from Amazon.com and various other stockists worldwide.

The Artist Magazine : Book Review

Jean Haines' Atmospheric Watercolours

"The book is nothing less than a paean to the wet in wet technique. If that's your thing, prepare to be amazed. Jean Haines credits Jean Louis Morelle, and in many ways this book is the sequel to Morelle's remarkable, but very technical work, showing the wealth of creative possibilities the technique offers. A lot of the images are barely recognisable and yet you instinctively know what they are. I wish I knew how, because this is impressionism taken to its logical conclusion and reminiscent of some of the later work by JMW Turner. You will have to take it from me that "First signs of a face appearing magically from a first wash of watercolour" is pure alchemy. This is an extraordinary book."

About Me

A professional artist who is passionate about watercolour,life,animals and the beauty of nature.
I enjoy working minus the use of a preliminary sketch. Painting directly with colour aiming to capture the essence of a subject. Living and studying art over the years in Asia,Dubai and Europe has influenced my brushstrokes and technique.
For updates on my exhibitions and workshops please see my web site.
www.jeanhaines.com

Follow by Email

Lady Taverners and SWA,Society for Women Artists 2011

With Nicholas and Annie Parsons at a charity event and art auction held at the Mall Galleries in London during the SWA Society for Women Artists 150th Annual Exhibition 2011

"Amazing Ways With Watercolour:" Fastest Selling DVD!

"Amazing Ways With Watercolour" from Town House Films is the fastest selling DVD with the company to date! Record breaking pre-orders for this much awaited film saw requests for copies flooding in from all over the world. A wonderful introduction into working with watercolour minus the use of a preliminary sketch this DVD removes the fear, stress or pressure from worry about how to use watercolour. Instead the focus is on having fun, enjoying vibrant colour combinations and allowing the medium to create the subjects with just a little help from the artist. A really exciting new DVD to own. Whilst the DVD sold out in the first few months since its' release due to popularity it is now in stock and available directly from Town House Films.

How To Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour

"How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour" Jeans first book was launched at the Mall Galleries in 2010 at the SWA Society for Women Artists Annual Exhibition. Many copies have been sold world wide. It is available on Amazon.com, Search Press, SAA Society for All Artists and Ken Bromley.

"This book is a wonderful introduction into Jeans' way of working and gives an insight into her way of thinking and approach to a large variety of subjects. All painted minus the use of a preliminary sketch."

Welcome to my Blog! Thank you to everyone who is kind enough to follow me .....

Please note that all photographs and artwork in this blog are copyright of the artist and are not to be copied in any form without permission.

"Amazing Ways With Watercolour" New DVD

Filming "Amazing Ways With Watercolour" in Norwich with Town House Films. This new exciting DVD will be available from 31st March 2011.

Artist Interview

Facebook Badge

In Aid of McMillan Cancer Support

With Sir Micheal Parkinson when a painting from " How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour" sold in aid of McMillan Cancer Support July 2010

SWA,Society of Women Artists

Elected an Associate Member in 2009 Jean was presented with the Anthony J Lester Art Critic Award for " Morning Calls", a vibrant painting of a cockerel from a watercolour collection in the SWA Annual Exhibition 2009.

Jean was elected a full member of the SWA in 2010 with an "outstanding body of work".

Art Magazines

Jean has regularly written for leading art magazines including Master Class features in the Artist and Illustrator and currently "The Artist" magazine.